“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream,” C.S. Lewis

Life carries us through ups and downs and turns us inside out sometimes.  We think we have it all figured out and suddenly realize we don’t have a clue.  Our path becomes cluttered with the task of living, giving, receiving and doing.  So often the road is snowed over and we can’t begin to understand where it might take us.  I guess I’m at that stage in my life today.

Looking back has never really been my bag. I’ve always preferred moving ahead to the next phase, but now I’m faced with actual retirement and I wonder what my life will become.  I imagine sitting on a rocking chair, falling asleep with a book in my hands and not waking up.  Is that what I’ll be today?

I imagine being able to travel, to explore new hobbies, to do things that time has not allowed me to do.  I see new horizons – new vistas – new dreams fulfilled.  Is that what I will be today

At the beginning of our journey on this planet, God provides caregivers to love and nurture us along the way.  He guides us through life with relationships, teachers, friends and people who bring out the best in us.  He gives us someone to love.  He sees to it that we find a job and career that means something to you and fulfills others’ needs as well. Suddenly, it comes to a crashing halt.  It’s over.  Is that what I will be today?

I know that God isn’t finished with me yet.  Many of my friends are sick and dying.  Many have lost all hope of seeing the dawn of a new day.  Some have given up and some fight with all their might to stay the course.  Is that what I will be today?

I could dwell on the negative and think that life has come to an end, but I believe a new beginning waits

right around the corner.  I’ve been blessed with an amazing husband.  I still have a few creative ideas in my head.  Maybe I can finish that novel I’ve been working on for the past few years.  Perhaps I can experiment with paint on canvas.  I might even find that I will have more energy, less aches and pains and more to give.

Life doesn’t end when you retire, unless you allow it to.  I’ve been given another chance to live, to care, to share God’s Word with others, and that’s what I will be today.